Is it time to ditch your ISDN phone system?

With the big switch-off coming to ISDN phone lines in 2025, all businesses using ISDN phone systems will inevitably be required to make the switch before 2025. As this time is getting closer and closer, you may want to consider making the switch from ISDN phone systems to a more practical communication technology. However, the big switch-off is not the only reason you should be ditching your ISDN phone system. Within this post, we provide a more in-depth explanation of why it is time to ditch your ISDN phone system. We will also be providing some alternatives for communication systems we recommend choosing.  

ISDN stands for Integrated Services Digital Network. An ISDN is a circuit-switched telephone network system that transmits voice, video, data and other network services over the digitalised circuits over a digital line. They are used instead of the traditional circuits of the classic switched telephone network.

In 2025, BT will carry out the 'big switch off', meaning that BT will switch off its ISDN phone lines and certain pieces of hardware will stop working entirely. From then on, both businesses and homeowners will be required to use digital phone services. BT has decided to switch off ISDN phone lines because they decided it did not make financial sense to keep making improvements to the ISDN network as they offer little flexibility and IP technology is a better choice to meet future demands.

But you may be thinking “2025 is ages away!”. Yes, but it is closer than you think. As 2025 is getting closer and closer, it’s essential to start planning the switch to an alternative communication system before the panicked rush when the deadline set in.  

Many businesses have already stepped into the future and made the switch to digital phone systems. They're not only ready for the big switch-off in 2025, but they are already enjoying the vast amount of benefits of a cloud-based phone system, such as VoIP technology.

Starting to plan the switch from ISDN phone systems to a digital phone service early will leave the stress of finding the perfect plan quickly nearer the time when you’re forced to make the switch. Not only does it help ease the pressure later on, but it has a vast range of extraordinary benefits to ditching ISDN phone systems for cloud-based technology. 

You may already be finding that your current ISDN phone system doesn’t work well for your business and is holding you back from evolving your business. Here are a few signs telling you that it’s time to ditch your ISDN phone system for something a bit more modern. 

You want to increase flexibility 

An ISDN phone system requires physical cables to connect, meaning that it is difficult for businesses to make the switch to remote/hybrid working and this makes company expansions more difficult. By moving to cloud-based technology, it drives your business to become more flexible. It allows your workers to work anywhere in the world and not become tied down to one place. ISDN connections are tied to a geographical area and being tied down to one location means that your business is limited on phone numbers and flexibility on where employees work.  

If your business is looking into having multiple office locations and wants to adopt the hybrid/remote working environment, then it may be time to ditch your ISDN phone system. 

You want to expand your business

ISDN phone lines are capable of delivering the volume or quality of voice data needed in this increasingly digital world. As ISDN systems require an actual cable to connect the phone system, this means that businesses cannot adapt to working environments that will inevitably be the future, which is hybrid/remote working. 

As of 2020, ISDN users cannot add new lines or amend their current service. Meaning that if your business grows and you need to expand or scale back your telecommunications service, unfortunately, you cannot change your current ISDN service. 

You want to enhance your phone system features and capabilities 

As we have already mentioned, as of 2020, ISDN users cannot amend its features or current service. If you want to add different features and capabilities to your phone systems, then your business will need to make the switch and find alternatives to your current ISDN phone system. IP technology can do everything an ISDN can do and more, yet it doesn't rely on the old systems to work. 

The main choice and best alternative to ISDN phone systems is VoIP technology (Voice over Internet Protocol). VoIP is a term for a call that is made over the internet rather than using a fixed-line communication system. Many businesses have found this type of communication highly useful for efficient and effective internal and external communications. 

VoIP is a more modern and up-to-date communication technology that does not use traditional landlines. All your business will need is a reliable internet connection to make both voice and video calls on a global scale. 

There is an extensive amount of benefits that your company can enjoy by switching your ISDN system to VoIP technology. With VoIP systems, you can select many advanced features and technologies to best suit your business needs. Depending on your business requirements, you can opt for features, including conference calls, auto attendants, caller ID, advanced call queuing, voicemail, call recording, call centre capabilities and many more. Having a phone system that allows for advanced customisation and technology is a great solution for businesses of all sizes.

Not only does implementing VoIP technology increase flexibility and enhance your communications, but it is more cost-friendly in the long run after the initial set-up of the VoIP phone system. Making a VoIP call is much cheaper than calling on a bog-standard landline. To learn more about the considerable benefits of VoIP phone systems click here.

The big point to remember when considering making the switch from ISDN to VoIP is your internet connection. Consider whether your business has a reliable internet connection as VoIP technology depends on it to work smoothly and effectively. For some businesses in a rural location, that’s something you need to look into before deciding to make the switch. For the most part, VoIP is the most practical and best solution. 

Are you looking to make the switch from ISDN to VoIP? Then T2k is here to help. To get the most out of your VoIP communication system and for easy set-up, get in content with T2k. T2k has been helping a wide range of businesses get the most from their telephone systems for more than 25 years. Our expert advisors are here to help you find the most beneficial VoIP system for your company and make the switch from ISDN to VoIP easy and stress-free. We’re here to assist you to find the easiest, most beneficial VoIP systems for you and your employees. For a jargon-free conversation on how VoIP can make your business run better, contact T2k today.